9 Best Drugstore Concealer Formulas To Try
Embarking on the quest for the perfect makeup essential can lead you down aisles of endless choices, but when it comes to finding the best drugstore concealer, the selection process becomes a delicate art. Concealers are one of the most important items of our makeup bags, masterfully camouflaging our skin’s impromptu blemishes, chronic under-eye circles, and unexpected redness. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve sifted through the myriad of options to bring you the top 9 best drugstore concealer picks that stand out on the market. Each product promises to deliver high-quality coverage, longevity, and a seamless blend, all without breaking the bank.
Quick Overview
BEST OVERALL:NYX Bare With Me Concealer
MOST ICONIC:Maybelline Instant Age Rewind
MOST UNIVERSAL:L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer
BEST FOR MATURE SKIN:Winky Lux Peeper Perfect
MOST INCLUSIVE:Juvia’s Place I Am Magic
MOST FULL COVERAGE:e.l.f. Camo Concealers
BEST BRIGHTENING:Revlon ColorStay Skin Awaken
BEST MATTE:ColourPop No Filter Matte Concealer
MOST LONG WEARING:L’oreal Infallible Full Wear Concealer
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When it comes to best drugstore concealer, these are the best.
Okay, friends. Today we’re discussing all things drugstore concealer. We’re going to take a deep dive into beloved formulas from brands like Maybelline, NYX, e.l.f., and Colourpop, to see why these drugstore concealers are the best and what they are best for. Not all concealers are created equally. Some are best for light, dewy coverage, while others are best for matte, full coverage. Remember, what works for us may not work for you. But, in our opinion, these are the best drugstore concealer formulas that never let the Milabu Team down.
Best Overall Drugstore: NYX Bare With Me Serum Concealer
Bare With Me Concealer
MILABU RATING **** (4.3)
Value **** (4.4)
Application ***** (4.7)
Coverage ***** (4.7)
Feel/Finish/Texture ***** (4.6)
Longevity **** (4.4)
Shade Range ** (2.5)
Extra Benefits **** (4.5)
Dive into a world where coverage meets care with the NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Serum Concealer. This innovative formula offers a trifecta of skincare benefits and medium coverage that works not just for the face but the body too. Bid farewell to dark circles, sayonara to stubborn acne, and wave goodbye to redness and irritation as this concealer, available in 13 ultra-hydrating shades, promises a non-cakey, natural finish. Its unique blend of tremella mushroom, cica, and green tea ensures your skin stays quenched for a full 24 hours, offering a moisturized feel that lasts all day. The lightweight, smooth finish lets your skin shine through, ensuring a seamless blend with a one-pump, mess-free application. Embrace the skin-loving, 100% vegan formulation of this cruelty-free beauty essential, and experience the joy of a complexion that looks flawlessly natural and feels endlessly comfortable.
Why We Love It:
One of our favorite drugstore makeup products to come out of 2021 is NYX Bare With Me Serum Concealer. We could go on and on about how much we love this concealer, but we’ll keep it brief. It has a buildable medium to full coverage that feels and looks lightweight on the skin. Despite its thicker formula, it blends with ease and resists settling, even under the eyes. The formula has sort of a self-setting property and is super fluid, stretching with the skin, giving it a beautiful 8+ hour wear. However, we still recommend setting with a loose finishing powder to really lock it in place! Gone are the days of worrying about your concealer not covering enough, accentuating texture, or looking creased and cakey.
Next time you’re perusing the Target or Ulta makeup aisles, just remember this might be overall the best drugstore concealer on the market.
Most Iconic: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer
MILABU RATING **** (4.1)
Value **** (4.1)
Application ***** (4.7)
Coverage **** (3.8)
Feel/Finish/Texture **** (4.5)
Longevity **** (4.0)
Shade Range *** (3.4)
Extra Benefits **** (4.0)
The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer is a multi-functional beauty staple designed to address not just blemishes and imperfections, but also to visibly diminish the signs of aging. Housed in a unique, user-friendly package with a sponge-tip applicator, this concealer offers a buildable, medium-to-full coverage with a formula enriched with Haloxyl, which works to reduce the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines. Its creamy consistency blends effortlessly into the skin, providing a smooth, natural finish that brightens the under-eye area for a refreshed and youthful look. Known for its lasting power and its extensive shade range, the Instant Age Rewind Concealer has earned acclaim for delivering professional results in an affordable, drugstore product.
Why We Love It:
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind is like a trademark of the early 2010s YouTube beauty gurus. Everyone swore this little tube of magic was the best concealer at the drugstore. And, I can’t argue with the masses: Even today, this concealer still stands its own. It has a unique packaging with its attached sponge applicator and twist up product dispersement (which can be messy if you’re not careful). But, Instant Age Rewind covers dark circles, brightens under eyes, and smooths fine lines. It remains one of the best concealers for a bright eyed, wide awake look. Let’s also not forget, it’s reasonably priced and easy on the wallet.
Most Universal: LA Girl HD Pro Concealer
MILABU RATING **** (4.1)
Value ***** (5.0)
Application **** (4.0)
Coverage **** (4.0)
Feel/Finish/Texture **** (3.8)
Longevity *** (3.5)
Shade Range **** (4.4)
Extra Benefits *** (3.5)
The LA Girl HD Pro Concealer is a cult-favorite among beauty lovers, revered for its full coverage, creamy texture, and long-lasting formula. This budget-friendly concealer boasts an impressive array of shades, catering to a diverse range of skin tones and concerns, including standard concealers for various complexions as well as color correctors for neutralizing redness, sallowness, and dark circles. Its versatile applicator brush allows for precise application, ensuring blemishes, imperfections, and under-eye shadows are seamlessly camouflaged. Its blendable consistency and the ability to layer without caking have secured its status as a staple in makeup bags worldwide. No wonder it’s on the best drugstore concealer list. 🙂
Why We Love It:
Not only does LA Girl PRO.Conceal camouflage imperfections and brighten under eyes, but it can also be used as a color corrector and a liquid contour. It has an expansive shade range with 30 concealer shades, 10 color correctors, and 3 highlighting shades. The texture is creamy, ultra blendable (we recommend using a brush!), and buildable to a full coverage. While it is long wearing, it can look heavy and cakey, as well as settle and crease. We will say, if your skin is more oilier or you’re going to be outside in the heat sweating, you’ll want to top it off with a setting powder.
Honorable Mention:
NYX HD Concealer ($6) is a fan favorite formula thanks to its buildable coverage that conceals and corrects. It applies easily with a brush or sponge, allowing a buildable light to medium coverage. What we love most about this formula is that it doesn’t have to be set. It has a self-setting property that gives it a long wear with minimal settling and creasing. The shade range is great with 20 concealers and 3 color correcting shades, but the colors are a bit off, and we do recommend checking out the shades of HD Photogenic in person as the colors are a bit off.
Tip: NYX HD Concealer can be a bit drying under the eyes. Use an eye cream in the morning for a boost of hydration for best results!
Best Drugstore For Mature Skin: Winky Lux Peeper Perfect Concealer
MILABU RATING **** (4.0)
Value **** (3.9)
Application ***** (4.7)
Coverage ***** (4.7)
Feel/Finish/Texture **** (4.5)
Longevity **** (4.2)
Shade Range ** (2.0)
Extra Benefits **** (4.0)
Why We Love It:
Dab a tiny dot of Peeper Perfect under your eyes and watch as you get instantly brighter, concealed under eyes! Its creamy texture, brightening properties, and high coverage are a few of the reasons why we love this Winky Lux concealer. The formula is on the wetter side, which gives it an effortless application with the fingertips or a brush. We will say, this is definitely a concealer you want to set. Without setting, it is prone to creasing and wearing off pretty fast. But, paired with a loose setting powder, a creaseproof all day wear is what you’ll get. Its lightweight, yet high coverage formula are why we think this concealer is perfect for all skin types, but especially mature skin.
Honorable Mention:
L’Oreal Age Perfect ($13.99) is a great drugstore option for mature skin, too. It has a fluid, stretchy formula that moves with skin to resist settling and creasing. This concealer gives a very natural light to medium coverage with a brightening, radiant finish. Age Perfect Concealer doesn’t have as long of a wear as Peeper Perfect, so you will get some settling and creasing after the 4-6 hour mark. A setting powder will help with this, but this isn’t the concealer we would reach for if an all day wear is needed. However, it could be paired with a longer wearing concealer as a brightener!
Most Inclusive Shade Range: Juvia’s Place I Am Magic Concealer
MILABU RATING **** (4.3)
Value **** (4.1)
Application **** (4.2)
Coverage ***** (4.8)
Feel/Finish/Texture **** (4.4)
Longevity **** (4.3)
Shade Range **** (4.0)
Extra Benefits *** (3.5)
Juvia’s Place I Am Magic Concealer is a coveted beauty staple known for its exceptional full-coverage capabilities, expertly designed to mask and perfect imperfections with a formula that feels almost like a second skin. Celebrated for its extensive color range that spans across a diverse spectrum, it ensures an inclusive match for virtually every skin tone. This concealer prides itself on a creamy, long-lasting texture that stands up to the rigors of the day without caking or settling into fine lines, offering a seamless finish that radiates a flawless natural look. With a commitment to affordability, Juvia’s Place has crafted this concealer as a testament to their ethos of providing high-performance, quality makeup accessible to all.
Why We Love It:
We love the skin tone inclusivity Juvia’s Place offers. I Am Magic Concealer comes in 24 shades that work for just about any skin tone. Personally, we think the formula of this conceal rivals those that are more high end. It offers lightweight full coverage that is über pigmented! The formula blends in easily with any tool, instantly concealing any imperfections. What makes this Juvia’s Place concealer even better? The formula is sweat proof and waterproof, and its self-setting properties don’t require any added setting powder. You know it’s going on the Best Drugstore Concealer list.
Most Full Coverage: e.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer
MILABU RATING **** (3.9)
Value **** (4.4)
Application *** (3.0)
Coverage ***** (5.0)
Feel/Finish/Texture *** (3.2)
Longevity **** (3.8)
Shade Range **** (3.7)
Extra Benefits **** (4.0)
The e.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer is a highly regarded beauty staple from the affordable yet quality-driven brand e.l.f. Cosmetics. This concealer is celebrated for its impressive full coverage and robust 16-hour wear, promising a crease-resistant, matte finish that rivals even the priciest of its competitors. Its thick, creamy texture is easily blendable and is perfect for targeting dark circles, redness, and blemishes, providing a flawless canvas for any makeup look. With a large doe-foot applicator for precise and easy application, along with an inclusive shade range to match a variety of skin tones, the e.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer has carved out its place as a best coverage drugstore concealer.
Why We Love It:
Are the e.l.f. Camo Concealers a Tarte Shape Tape dupe? Not quite, but they do have some similarities. And, dare we say we like the Camo Concealers better? e.l.f.’s Camo Concealer comes in a standard and hydrating version. Both give extreme full coverage to just about anything you need to cover, from dark circles to redness to acne. The Camo Concealer formulas are high coverage and take little product to cover even the most difficult of spots. They do set fast, so we recommend working one spot or eye at a time for best results. The Camo Concealers are best worn with a setting powder on top to prevent any excess creasing and settling, keeping your concealer looking as flawless as possible all day!
Tip: Our favorite way to wear the Camo Concealers is to mix the two formulas. This gives full coverage that doesn’t feel as drying while adding a bit of radiance to the skin. Because these concealers are so affordable, you really can customize your look!
Honorable Mention:
Another high performing, full coverage drugstore concealer is Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define ($7). Just like the e.l.f. Camo Concealers, this one comes in both an original and hydrating formula ($7). Not only do they provide amazing coverage at an affordable price, but the shade range is super inclusive – 50 shades! Conceal & Define has minimal settling and creasing, but we do recommend setting with a powder as this formula doesn’t fully set down.
Best Brightening: Revlon ColorStay Skin Awaken
MILABU RATING **** (4.2)
Value **** (4.2)
Application **** (4.5)
Coverage **** (4.2)
Feel/Finish/Texture **** (4.5)
Longevity **** (4.3)
Shade Range *** (3.4)
Extra Benefits **** (4.2)
Revlon ColorStay Skin Awaken 5-in-1 Concealer is not just a concealer; it’s a multitasking marvel designed to give your skin a naturally vibrant and fully awake look. Its impressive 24-hour wearability ensures that your flawless visage stays put from morning coffee to evening downtime. Crafted for those who demand more from their makeup, this ultra-lightweight concealer boasts a comfortable feel with a buildable, natural coverage that’s steadfastly transfer-resistant. It performs five key functions: it erases imperfections, perfects your skin’s appearance, brightens and hydrates tired skin, and refreshes your overall look. Infused with energizing caffeine and brightening Vitamin C, this concealer works diligently to hide dark circles and reduce the look of puffiness. The inclusion of a mess-free, antibacterial sponge tip is a thoughtful touch, helping to maintain hygiene while preventing bacteria buildup.
Why We Love It:
Are you going for a bright under eye look? ColorStay Skin Awaken will be your new favorite for its ample coverage and brightening effect. Which is why it’s making on the best drugstore concealer list. Its lightweight texture blends easily with a brush, giving a solid medium coverage. Skin Awaken looks natural on the skin with its soft matte finish. Like any other concealer, it can settle and crease, but we find it minimal and tends to only happen if you don’t set the concealer or it endures strenuous wear. We love that our skin still looks healthy and not dry when wearing this concealer. Nobody wants that dreaded crepey eye look!
Tip: This formula sets quickly and is best to work one eye/area at a time. If it becomes hard to blend in, use a damp sponge or spray some setting spray to help.
Best Matte: Colourpop No Filter Matte
MILABU RATING **** (4.3)
Value **** (4.0)
Application **** (4.4)
Coverage ***** (4.7)
Feel/Finish/Texture **** (4.5)
Longevity **** (4.4)
Shade Range **** (3.9)
Extra Benefits **** (4.0)
The ColourPop No Filter Matte Concealer is a fan-favorite product in the beauty community, acclaimed for its full-coverage yet lightweight formula that seamlessly blurs imperfections for a flawless matte finish. With an impressive array of shades to suit a wide spectrum of skin tones, this concealer is designed to tackle everything from dark circles to blemishes without creasing or caking, making it an essential tool for a polished, photo-ready look. Its popularity is bolstered by the concealer’s soft-blurring pigments, which contribute to a soft-focus effect akin to a real-life filter, ensuring that users can enjoy a smooth, even complexion throughout the day.
Why We Love It:
We’re all familiar with the matte concealer that ruins it for the rest. You know the one: drying, settles into every line and crease, and looks cakey after a full day of wear. Luckily, Colourpop changed the game with No Filter Concealer. This matte concealer is high coverage, meaning it requires little product to cover anything from dark circles to redness to acne. Because little product is required, theres a lower chance of it settling, creasing, and looking cakey. And, for a matte concealer, this one isn’t drying. It has a brightening effect, too. If you have oilier skin, we especially think you’ll love this concealer for the face and under eye area.
Tip: We don’t recommend this concealer as an eyeshadow primer. It results in creasing and doesn’t help keep eyeshadow from wearing off.
Most Long Wearing: L’Oreal Infallible Full Wear
MILABU RATING **** (4.2)
Value **** (4.1)
Application **** (4.2)
Coverage (full) **** (4.6)
Feel/Finish/Texture (matte) **** (4.0)
Longevity **** (4.7)
Shade Range **** (3.7)
Extra Benefits **** (3.7)
The L’Oreal Infallible Full Wear Concealer is part of the L’Oreal Infallible makeup line, which is known for its long-lasting wear. This particular concealer is designed to provide full coverage with a waterproof formula that won’t transfer, fade, or flake. It’s touted for its ability to conceal imperfections, even out skin tone, and hide dark circles with a non-greasy finish that lasts all day. The Full Wear concealer typically comes with an extra-large applicator to allow for more coverage with less effort and is available in a wide range of shades to suit various skin tones. It’s a popular choice for those seeking a high-performance concealer from a drugstore brand.
Why We Love It:
Full coverage brightening coupled with a long wear? Sign us up! L’Oreal Infallible Full Wear Concealer does a bit of everything. A little bit goes a long way with this full coverage formula, and it blends easily with a brush, sponge, or fingers. Though, it does set pretty quickly, so we recommend working one eye/area at a time! Where this concealer really shines, though, is its wear: the coverage does not fade and it has minimal settling and creasing. It doesn’t give that dreaded crepey under eye look no matter how long it’s on for. With this waterproof concealer, you don’t have to worry if you go for a swim or are outside sweating! A life proof concealer? Yes, please! – the best long wearing drugstore concealer.
Tip: Infallible Concealer also works super well as an eyeshadow base!
Honorable Mention:
Catrice True Skin High Cover Concealer ($7) is one of the longest wearing formulas we’ve tried. But, this comes at a risk: it can feel and look drying. If you have dry skin, this concealer works best paired with an eye cream underneath and no powder over top. We think True Skin would work exceptionally well for oily skin! The natural oils of your skin will help it look less dry throughout the day.
What Are Milabu Picks?
Milabu Picks are makeup products that lead the industry in their price categories (i.e. value, pro-grade, luxury) and product type. These products are reviewed and chosen by the Milabu team on a yearly basis. Many of these makeup products exceed the industry standard favorites, and some of them are, to this day, the industry standard leading the makeup industry.
Edited by Maddie